Zalgiris inks prospect Mario Delas

Just before taking its last chance to get into the Top 16, Zalgiris Kaunas announced on Wednesday morning the addition of young forward Mario Delas for the next three-and-a-half seasons. Delas (207, 20) arrives from KK Split in his native Croatia, where he was averaging 9.9 points and 3.7 rebounds through 10 domestic games this seasion. Delas grew up in the inferior categories of the ever-productive Split factory. Last season, he played in 26 Adriatic League games with Split, averaging 7.6 points and 4 rebounds in over 25 minutes per appearance. In the Under-19 World Championships played in New Zealand, he was named MVP after Croatia took the bronze medal. Delas averaged 20 points and and 7 rebounds in the tournament. Delas was due to join Zalgiris on Wednesday in Frankfurt, where the team was en route to Istanbul for a do-or-die Group A game against Fenerbahce Ulker to advance to the Top 16.